It’s an interesting decision given Parenteau, who only recently returned from a knee injury that cost him 10 games, has two points in his last three contests while playing nearly 18 minutes in Friday’s 3-2 win over Florida.

Colorado head coach Patrick Roy offered up this explanation for the healthy scratch…

PA hasn’t been playing great but Roy said decision also is based on him having just come off injured list, needing some time to get stronger

Parenteau, 30, is in the second of a four-year, $16 million deal signed with the Avs in 2012. He’s been very productive during his time in Denver, scoring 43 points in 48 games during the lockout-shortened ’13 campaign, and 26 through 41 games this year.

The Avs have been rumored to be in the market for defensive upgrades, so it’s not surprising to hear Montreal’s in the mix (Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun also reports the Habs’ interest in Parenteau.) The Canadiens have a glut of defenseman on NHL contracts, some good young prospects in the system and need to re-up with P.K. Subban, a restricted free agent at season’s end.

I remember when the Avalanche signed him a lot of Islanders fans were saying his numbers were a product of playing with Tavares. Turns out his points per game has actually gone up since leaving. .78 ppg in 2 years with the Aves and .75 ppg in 2 years with the Iles. I kind of agreed and thought his numbers would drop not playing with Taraves, but numbers show they haven’t.